How to Empty a Steel-Frame Pool

Whether you're packing up for the winter months or giving your above-ground pool a refresh, knowing how to empty a steel-frame pool properly is essential for protecting your investment and avoiding a soggy garden or damaged liner.

In this guide, we’ll explain safe, effective ways to drain your above-ground pool, including tips for using a sump pump, garden hose, or your pool’s drain plug. Let’s dive in.

Why (and when) you should empty your steel frame pool

Draining your above-ground pool isn’t something you’ll do every week, but there are a few key reasons to completely drain your pool water:

• Seasonal storage: If you store your ground pool during the off-season, you’ll need to completely drain it before disassembly.

• Deep cleaning: Dirt, algae, and chemical residue can build up over time. A full drain allows for a fresh start.

• Pool maintenance and repairs: An empty pool may be required to replace a damaged pool liner or inspect the pool frame.

• Chemical imbalance: If your pool's chemical levels, such as chlorine or cyanuric acid, are off the charts and cannot be balanced, it's time to start fresh.

Remember: Always check local rules before draining. In most cases, you should never drain pool water into a storm drain. A sanitary sewer line is the safest route, and you’ll want to avoid water flow into your neighbour’s garden.

How to prepare before you start draining

Before you start draining, make sure you’ve got the following equipment:

• Garden hose

• Sump pump (optional)

• Shop vac (for the last few inches of water)

• Hose adapter (for the drain plug)

• Screwdriver or wrench

• Cap or plug for closing fittings after draining

Important: Reduce the pool’s chemical levels a few days before. This protects your garden and any drainage system from damage due to chlorine or other chemicals.

Wait for mild weather. Cool temperatures and low sun exposure are best to avoid damaging the pool liner. And, of course, turn off any pool equipment before you begin.

Use your pool’s drain plug

Many steel-frame pools come with a built-in drain plug near the bottom of the pool’s wall. This is the easiest method to completely drain the pool:

• Attach a garden hose to the drain plug (you may need an adapter from your local hardware store).

• Extend the other end of the hose toward a sanitary sewer line, downhill area, or dry place in the garden. Never drain toward a storm drain.

• Unscrew the cap and let gravity do the work.

• Monitor the water flow. If it's too slow, you can speed it up with a sump pump.

Tip: Keep the hose end below the pool's waterline to encourage steady drainage. Air bubbles or uneven ground can disrupt the siphon.

Use a garden hose to siphon water

Wondering how to empty a steel frame pool without any fancy equipment? The garden hose siphon method is a simple, budget-friendly option:

• Submerge the hose completely in the pool to fill it with water. Watch for air bubbles to stop.

• Cover one end of the hose and pull it out, placing it downhill or into a sanitary drain.

• Remove your hand to let water start flowing.

This method is best for partially draining or when you’re not in a rush. For larger pools, it can take a while, especially once the water level drops to just a few inches.

If needed, you can connect the garden hose to a water spigot to fill and reverse flow, then unscrew it to start the siphon. This trick helps push water out more efficiently.

Use a sump pump to drain the pool faster

Use a sump pump for a quicker, more efficient option, especially if you need to drain a larger pool completely.

• Submerge the sump pump at the centre of your pool.

• Attach the hose and route it to the proper drainage area.

• Plug in the pump and start draining.

• Monitor closely until you reach a few inches of water at the bottom.

At this stage, you’ll need to use a shop vac to remove the rest of the water. This is particularly useful to avoid standing water, leftover chemicals, or debris in your pool base.

After draining: what to do next

• Clean out any remaining debris with a soft cloth, wide rake, or vacuum.

• Let the liner air dry fully before folding or storing.

• Roll up your garden hose and store pool equipment in a dry place.

• If you’re leaving the pool up, refill promptly to protect the pool liner from UV damage and dirt.

Empty pools are vulnerable to heat loss, cracking, and damage, especially in direct sun, cold temperatures, or during heavy rain.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Draining into a storm drain: This can damage infrastructure and break local regulations.

• Draining onto uneven ground: Poor drainage areas lead to flooding and soggy messes.

• Leaving water in the liner: Always use a shop vac to remove the last inches of water.

• Using your pool pump: Never drain using your main pool pump. It can overheat and break.

• Skipping liner protection: A completely dry liner left in the sun can crack or warp.

• Filling back up without testing: Always test the pool's chemical levels before refilling.

Final tips for draining a steel-frame pool safely

• Double-check the water flow often and never leave the draining process unattended.

• Protect your pool frame by ensuring you’re not loosening its base by letting water pool underneath.

• Use a ground cloth or tarp to protect the pool’s underside from dirt and sharp debris.

• Store accessories like hoses, caps, and equipment in a dry place to avoid damage.

• Refer to your Bestway pool manual for additional information or product-specific instructions.

Ready for a clean start?

Draining your steel-frame pool might seem like a big task, but with the right tools and method, it’s totally manageable. Whether you’re prepping for winter, doing a deep clean, or simply swapping out the pool water for a fresh season of sun and fun, this step-by-step process will help you protect your pool and your garden too.

Need to upgrade your pool, covers and filters, or find more ways to keep the kids cool outdoors? Explore our full range of steel-frame pools, water slides, and accessories at Outdoor Toys.